The New Orleans Pelicans are ready to clean up, which could involve trading former No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson.
Pelicans listening to trade offers for two-time All-Star Williamson
For the first time, New Orleans is reportedly open to moving on from Williamson, the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NBA draft and a two-time All-Star at age 24.
Williamson is widely regarded as one of the most talented and dominant players in the country, but his availability issues appear to be making the Pelicans reconsider.
After a short but sweet rookie season in which he nearly became the face of the league, appearing on the cover of NBA 2K and earning a signature shoe from Jordan Brand, the journey hasn't gone as planned.
WATCH: Zion Williamson's famous NBA debut in 2020
illusory
Zion scored 22 points in his NBA debut and shot 4/4 from three in 18 minutes 🔥 pic.twitter.com/j1e5SgooGH
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 23, 2020
Pelicans ready to move forward despite career-high minutes in 2023/24
Played 24 games in his first year, then missed the 2021/22 season entirely and made just 29 appearances in 2022/23.
The most recent 2023/24 season was his most successful season to date in terms of health, reaching the milestone 70 mark while averaging 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game.
However, Williamson has only appeared in six games so far this season as he is still dealing with a “chronic hamstring issue,” which may be part of the reason the Pelicans are ready to cash in.
There are reports that the team repeatedly stressed to the player why his diet and physical fitness must improve, but it went in one ear and out the other.
The Golden State Warriors were rumored to be a potential destination for the former Duke star, whose five-year, $197 million contract extension in New Orleans is no longer guaranteed due to his absence.
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